Lot 44
  • 44

Georges-Alphonse-Bonifacio Monbro, called Monbro Ainé 1807-1884 A pair of Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted and engraved brass inlaid ebony pedestals Paris, mid-19th century

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • Georges-Alphonse-Bonifacio Monbro, called Monbro Ainé
  • bronze, ebony
  • height 49 in.
  • 125 cm
each stamped MONBRO AINE several times

Provenance

Bernard Steinitz, Paris, 2000

Condition

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor hairline scratches and minute nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. Tarnishing to gilt-bronze in places also consistent with age and atmospheric conditions through the years. Extensive scratch to top consistent with placing objects. One pedestal has extensive vertical stains to its front on the brass and tortoiseshell most probably due to a cleaning agent, this can be easily removed. No losses to tortoiseshell and brass inlay.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The firm of Monbro was established by Georges-Marie Monbro (1774-1841), who was born in Malta and lived for some time in England before returning to France around 1801. Most pieces are the work of Monbro's son (1807-1884), also called Georges, who usually stamped Monbro or Monbro Ainé. There is a group of furniture preserved in the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle which was purchased directly from Paris by John Bowes himself between 1854 and 1856. Perhaps because of this contact and the father's connection with England, a shop was established at 2 Frith St. in London in 1870 as well as on their premises in Paris. Madame la Duchesse de Berry was one of his distinguished French clients. He received several Royal commissions, and exhibited at both the Exposition des produits de l'industrie française in 1844 and the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855.